Frenectomies

At Little Dental Studio, we perform frenectomy procedures in order to correct these frenum abnormalities.  Dr. Angela Austin has special training and uses a specialized CO2 laser to help release the frenum. A careful examination to ensure your child is a candidate is very important. We see patients as early as 10 days old, but case selection is very important. We also work side by side with a myofunctional therapist to ensure the treatment is as effective as possible.

Dr. Angela was one of the very first dentists in Northern Virginia to consider the Solea laser for her office. This laser is among the best when it comes to CO2 lasers. We have found utilizing a CO2 laser yields the best healing for frenectomies.

A little bit about frenectomies. A frenum (also called frenulum) is a piece of gum tissue that attaches to an area such as the tongue, lip or cheek. There are times that a frenum might be exceptionally tight, thick or short. If this occurs for newborns and infants, it can contribute to difficulty in nursing for newborn babies and moms.
 
A tight frenum can also have big impacts on older children as well. Speech disorders, gum recession, grinding, increased risk of traumatizing this area, increased plaque build up and dental decay, and even more serious issues when it comes to airway concerns, mouth breathing and dental malocclusion (crowding). There are many reputable studies about releasing the frenum and the relief of speech issues, airway issues, and even behavioral issues (due to the assistance in the correction leading to better sleep).

We welcome you to make an appointment to discuss your concerns regarding your baby or child's frenum.